Spec me a car! Idea's and recommendations welcome!

LeperousDust · 29-07-2012, 16:06

This is going to be fairly open ended, because I really have NO idea what I want. I just know what I don't want when I see it....

Essentially, I want a fun car that I won't be doing much driving in. I commute most places by bike as its always easier, cheaper and around Edinburgh usually faster!

I want to be able to throw my bike on the said steed via my rack on the back or roof rack/bars or tow bar to take biking further afield (I REALLY miss this

).

And it needs to be reasonably comfortable enough to get me home (200 odd miles) or down south if I really have to!

I don't really want to spend more than £2k on the car, have worked out £3k to include a car tax and insurance at the very very top end. Ideally less personally...

I think I'm after something smallish so no estates.

Bigger end i've seen an '04 Mondeo Ghia X 2.0 fully tricked out (with Sat Nav although that doesn't really do anything for me) with 70k on the clock for 2k.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc Think this is the most sensible choice but it doesnt really do anything for me properly...

Smaller end an MG ZR '04 70k for 1600
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc This is the cheapest and OK although have to be careful with the engine and problems associated, its small, a little fun but under-powered in the long run me thinks... Again "it'd do" though...

With a twist Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 '02 70k
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc The Hyundai seems a really out there option, I'm not sure if I'm just being stupid tbh... I can insure it for <500 a year and tax is 270 so its within "budget" and I'll have initial tax thrown in etc...

I think I like it, and it'd be different and fun to drive when I do so occasionally.

Any out there ideas about what I could be looking at? If I said I liked the Golf GTI, Skoda VRS, Elise off the top of my head, what would you recommend granted my budget isnt stretching that far so I'm trying to substitute accordingly. But also open minded to lots of alternatives at all ends of the spectrum really...

Loooooost! Disclaimer the 3 chosen above are just 3 cars that seem alright within a local 5 mile area just to give examples, they aren't actually indicative of what I'm after

Zirax · 29-07-2012, 17:33

IIRC didn't you have an old Almera with a Dulux finish front bonnet?

I wouldn't call a 2.0 Mondeo that sporty really. It would do as an A->B motor.

MG ZR. A good mate of mine Mike has one of these. If you get the rear strut brace off the MG owners club it does go around corners at a stupid speed. It is a little underpowered on the straights but part of the fun is ragging the daylights out of it

Hyundai Coupe. Just don't. They are god awful cars to drive and generally crap.

------------------
Hmmm
How about a Focus Zetec? The Zetec as it comes with the hardened sports suspension.
Ford Puma.

divine · 29-07-2012, 18:41

It might be the older shape but i'm sure you could easily get a decent example of the Octavia vRS within budget.

You've really plucked a rather eclectic mix of cars there though:

Mondeo - repmobile motorway hack
MG ZR - tarted up boy racer fantasy rover
Hyundai Coupe - Cheap Korean attempt at a fun car
Golf GTI - reasonably quick but generally sedate all rounder
Octavia vRS - as above but less scene tax
Elise - hardcore stripped out race car for the road

If I were you i'd look at older hatchbacks - in terms of the Golf you'd only get a Mk4 GTI, I have one, it's comfortable but it's not exactly mountains of fun. The Octavia and Leon Cupra are worth looking at as cheaper alternatives but retaining the comfort.

A Civic might be worth a look but a Type-R would likely be out of budget and insurance range.

Focus is generally ok but the ST170 is nothing great and the regular 2.0 drinks fuel for no real performance.

Renaultsport Clios are mountains of fun but long distance comfort will be lacking compared to the others.

LeperousDust · 30-07-2012, 00:55

I did have that Old Almera, finally scrapped it last year when it failed it's MOT for rusting YET AGAIN common Almera problem, everything was fine, but welding was getting out of hand for the cars worth. I haven't had a car since, which is sheer proof why I don't particularly need one, but it would be helpful at times.

I realise that car list was hilariously eclectic

It's because I'm so confused as to what I want really. The Hyundai Coupe is a big fat no then? I felt that myself in a way, but wanted someone to tell me it.

It think I'm after something hot hatchy, and you've given me food for thought. I'm in no rush really just need to sit around looking at what I can get until something I really fancy pops up. It's just hard when I don't know what I fancy

vRS would probably be fairly decent though, I thought about a Renaultsport clio, but I just don't know if I could "do" a renault, aren't they prone to being put together with shoestring or less, and electrics as reliable as our summers...?

Type-R would be sweet, but you're right probably impractically out my budget. ST170 I'd had in mind also, but It reminds me of my mates focus he wrote off when he was younger kinda ruined it for me. Alas most of the hot hatches obviously have that kind of image though...

LeperousDust · 30-07-2012, 01:33

Age old question, how many miles before I should start thinking otherwise, I mean I understand that not all miles are made equally, but i have definite problems when hitting 120k+ Prefer 70-100k tops I think but i really don't know why!?!

kaiowas · 30-07-2012, 13:00

With regard to mileage, generally I couldn't give a toss what the odo says. Most modern cars will happily do several hundred thousand as long as they're maintained properly so I buy on condition rather than mileage. Only caveat to that is if you're looking at a particular model has a common and expensive fault which is known to crop up at a certain mileage.

On the subject of car choice, what's your idea of fun? Do you favour straight line performance, nice chuckable handling, silly amounts of grip or just something that looks nice If you can narrow that down it'll help us to give you more relevant suggestions.

LeperousDust · 01-08-2012, 16:03

True with respect to mileage I guess, generally things are more worn inside after more miles though surely, probably my only reason to worry a little. Not really sure what my idea of fun is, i think i'm probably pretty easily pleased! Renaultsport was a good call actually, the more I think about it. I was after something more than my old 1.4 Almera haha which isn't hard to beat i know! And something at least maybe nice to be inside but i'm not really sure how much I actually care about that. But I was generally eyeing up leather interiors over cloth, and all the little extras on top of that are always nice but not necessary. That was my draw to the GhiaX its no race car, but 2L would probably keep me happy. Its essentially just practical and then also nice to drive in (for the money anyway).

Then again the Clio renaultsport's growing on me, I know they're a little sparse inside generally but I think it would be a decent car that suits me for now, so i'm swaying to things in that direction. Looks like the 172 is probably what i should be looking at I guess?

Zirax · 01-08-2012, 16:32

Just seen this:-
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=18427995

One of the cars is this:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3893649.htm
Can you stretch that 2k limit though? Could be a lot of fun.

LeperousDust · 01-08-2012, 17:52

That Honda is V nice, but but i've just got real strict on myself, 2k tops now

Just spent 1k on a Vaio Z which i'll get great use out of =/

2k on a car for occasional fun/use is really ALL I need. I say that now like i'm sure i won't spend more but we'll see...

That thread is superb food for thought though! Exactly what I'm after although I care less on MPG

Haven't been round OcUK in YEARS!

LeperousDust · 01-08-2012, 21:07

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...k-miles/619049

Sold but looks like what i'm after me thinks. ST170 isn't probably the sportiest thing in the world but i think its ticking my boxes. I'm just gonna bide my time locally see what appears! I've got quite a few ideas in my head now though

Thanks guys!

29-07-2012, 16:06	#1
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	Spec me a car! Idea's and recommendations welcome! This is going to be fairly open ended, because I really have NO idea what I want. I just know what I don't want when I see it.... Essentially, I want a fun car that I won't be doing much driving in. I commute most places by bike as its always easier, cheaper and around Edinburgh usually faster! I want to be able to throw my bike on the said steed via my rack on the back or roof rack/bars or tow bar to take biking further afield (I REALLY miss this ). And it needs to be reasonably comfortable enough to get me home (200 odd miles) or down south if I really have to! I don't really want to spend more than £2k on the car, have worked out £3k to include a car tax and insurance at the very very top end. Ideally less personally... I think I'm after something smallish so no estates. Bigger end i've seen an '04 Mondeo Ghia X 2.0 fully tricked out (with Sat Nav although that doesn't really do anything for me) with 70k on the clock for 2k. http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc Think this is the most sensible choice but it doesnt really do anything for me properly... Smaller end an MG ZR '04 70k for 1600 http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc This is the cheapest and OK although have to be careful with the engine and problems associated, its small, a little fun but under-powered in the long run me thinks... Again "it'd do" though... With a twist Hyundai Coupe 2.7 V6 '02 70k http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...s?logcode=visc The Hyundai seems a really out there option, I'm not sure if I'm just being stupid tbh... I can insure it for <500 a year and tax is 270 so its within "budget" and I'll have initial tax thrown in etc... I think I like it, and it'd be different and fun to drive when I do so occasionally. Any out there ideas about what I could be looking at? If I said I liked the Golf GTI, Skoda VRS, Elise off the top of my head, what would you recommend granted my budget isnt stretching that far so I'm trying to substitute accordingly. But also open minded to lots of alternatives at all ends of the spectrum really... Loooooost! Disclaimer the 3 chosen above are just 3 cars that seem alright within a local 5 mile area just to give examples, they aren't actually indicative of what I'm after __________________

29-07-2012, 18:41	#3
divine Moonshine Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,201	It might be the older shape but i'm sure you could easily get a decent example of the Octavia vRS within budget. You've really plucked a rather eclectic mix of cars there though: Mondeo - repmobile motorway hack MG ZR - tarted up boy racer fantasy rover Hyundai Coupe - Cheap Korean attempt at a fun car Golf GTI - reasonably quick but generally sedate all rounder Octavia vRS - as above but less scene tax Elise - hardcore stripped out race car for the road If I were you i'd look at older hatchbacks - in terms of the Golf you'd only get a Mk4 GTI, I have one, it's comfortable but it's not exactly mountains of fun. The Octavia and Leon Cupra are worth looking at as cheaper alternatives but retaining the comfort. A Civic might be worth a look but a Type-R would likely be out of budget and insurance range. Focus is generally ok but the ST170 is nothing great and the regular 2.0 drinks fuel for no real performance. Renaultsport Clios are mountains of fun but long distance comfort will be lacking compared to the others. __________________

30-07-2012, 00:55	#4
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	I did have that Old Almera, finally scrapped it last year when it failed it's MOT for rusting YET AGAIN common Almera problem, everything was fine, but welding was getting out of hand for the cars worth. I haven't had a car since, which is sheer proof why I don't particularly need one, but it would be helpful at times. I realise that car list was hilariously eclectic It's because I'm so confused as to what I want really. The Hyundai Coupe is a big fat no then? I felt that myself in a way, but wanted someone to tell me it. It think I'm after something hot hatchy, and you've given me food for thought. I'm in no rush really just need to sit around looking at what I can get until something I really fancy pops up. It's just hard when I don't know what I fancy vRS would probably be fairly decent though, I thought about a Renaultsport clio, but I just don't know if I could "do" a renault, aren't they prone to being put together with shoestring or less, and electrics as reliable as our summers...? Type-R would be sweet, but you're right probably impractically out my budget. ST170 I'd had in mind also, but It reminds me of my mates focus he wrote off when he was younger kinda ruined it for me. Alas most of the hot hatches obviously have that kind of image though... __________________

30-07-2012, 01:33	#5
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	Age old question, how many miles before I should start thinking otherwise, I mean I understand that not all miles are made equally, but i have definite problems when hitting 120k+ Prefer 70-100k tops I think but i really don't know why!?! __________________

30-07-2012, 13:00	#6
kaiowas The Stig Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fightertown USA Posts: 1,458	With regard to mileage, generally I couldn't give a toss what the odo says. Most modern cars will happily do several hundred thousand as long as they're maintained properly so I buy on condition rather than mileage. Only caveat to that is if you're looking at a particular model has a common and expensive fault which is known to crop up at a certain mileage. On the subject of car choice, what's your idea of fun? Do you favour straight line performance, nice chuckable handling, silly amounts of grip or just something that looks nice If you can narrow that down it'll help us to give you more relevant suggestions. __________________ Anal Fish Porn

29-07-2012, 17:33	#2
Zirax Goes up to 11! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,577	IIRC didn't you have an old Almera with a Dulux finish front bonnet? I wouldn't call a 2.0 Mondeo that sporty really. It would do as an A->B motor. MG ZR. A good mate of mine Mike has one of these. If you get the rear strut brace off the MG owners club it does go around corners at a stupid speed. It is a little underpowered on the straights but part of the fun is ragging the daylights out of it Hyundai Coupe. Just don't. They are god awful cars to drive and generally crap. ------------------ Hmmm How about a Focus Zetec? The Zetec as it comes with the hardened sports suspension. Ford Puma.

01-08-2012, 16:03	#7
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	True with respect to mileage I guess, generally things are more worn inside after more miles though surely, probably my only reason to worry a little. Not really sure what my idea of fun is, i think i'm probably pretty easily pleased! Renaultsport was a good call actually, the more I think about it. I was after something more than my old 1.4 Almera haha which isn't hard to beat i know! And something at least maybe nice to be inside but i'm not really sure how much I actually care about that. But I was generally eyeing up leather interiors over cloth, and all the little extras on top of that are always nice but not necessary. That was my draw to the GhiaX its no race car, but 2L would probably keep me happy. Its essentially just practical and then also nice to drive in (for the money anyway). Then again the Clio renaultsport's growing on me, I know they're a little sparse inside generally but I think it would be a decent car that suits me for now, so i'm swaying to things in that direction. Looks like the 172 is probably what i should be looking at I guess? __________________

01-08-2012, 16:32	#8
Zirax Goes up to 11! Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 4,577	Just seen this:- http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=18427995 One of the cars is this:- http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3893649.htm Can you stretch that 2k limit though? Could be a lot of fun.

01-08-2012, 17:52	#9
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	That Honda is V nice, but but i've just got real strict on myself, 2k tops now Just spent 1k on a Vaio Z which i'll get great use out of =/ 2k on a car for occasional fun/use is really ALL I need. I say that now like i'm sure i won't spend more but we'll see... That thread is superb food for thought though! Exactly what I'm after although I care less on MPG Haven't been round OcUK in YEARS! __________________

01-08-2012, 21:07	#10
LeperousDust Bananaman Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Liverpool/Edinburgh Posts: 4,817	http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/c...k-miles/619049 Sold but looks like what i'm after me thinks. ST170 isn't probably the sportiest thing in the world but i think its ticking my boxes. I'm just gonna bide my time locally see what appears! I've got quite a few ideas in my head now though Thanks guys! __________________

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